Polish President Honors Ukraine’s Spy Chief Budanov With Top State Award for Defying Russia

Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (HUR), has been awarded the Gold Officer’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland – one of the highest Polish state honors bestowed on foreign nationals.

According to HUR’s press service, the award recognizes Budanov’s outstanding contribution to strengthening international cooperation and building a strategic partnership between Poland and Ukraine amid Russia’s full-scale war.

Alongside Budanov, his deputy, Major General Vadym Skibitskyi, received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland.

The award ceremony was conducted by Colonel Dominik Duda, Deputy Head of Poland’s Intelligence Agency, on behalf of President Andrzej Duda.

Budanov thanked Duda for his trust and willingness to honor the strong Polish-Ukrainian relations. According to Budanov, the ongoing war is a struggle for Ukraine’s freedom and for shared European values.

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Zelensky Wants War’s ‘Hot Phase’ Ended Before Winter, Budanov Says

President Volodymyr Zelensky has tasked Ukrainian officials with pursuing an end to the active phase of the war before winter, according to Presidential Office chief Kyrylo Budanov. He said Ukraine has the capabilities to work toward that goal, while acknowledging that Russia could still reject any agreements.

“Only together can we push back the Russian horde and defeat this eternal threat to both Poland and Ukraine. Our nations will always stand as a united front in the fight for a peaceful future without war,” he said.

The Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland has been awarded to: ▪️ US President Ronald Reagan ▪️ NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen ▪️ UN Secretary General António Guterres ▪️ US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger

Who is Kyrylo Budanov?

Budanov has led HUR since 2020 and also heads the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he has become a key figure in Ukraine’s defense sector, recognized as a strategist, negotiator, and public symbol of resistance.

Under his leadership, HUR has conducted deep-penetration operations in enemy territory, coordinated prisoner exchanges, and maintained close cooperation with allied intelligence services.